Assessment & Differential Diagnosis

Within our centre we see a variety of conditions related to the musculoskeletal diseases and neurology pediatric diseases. Our centre have the unique assessment facilities and skills to help for differential diagnosis.

The Cyriax Method (Selective Tissue Tension Test (S.T.T.T)

The Selective Tissue Tension Test (S.T.T.T) exam was designed by Dr. James Cyriax, an orthopedic surgeon who is often called the “father of orthopedics”. The STTT consists of range of motion (ROM), resistive tests, and palpation of feeling the tissue.
Each test looks at a specific part of the joint or soft tissues in and around the joint. Palpation is used to look for any signs of deformity or inflammation. When the patient has pain is an important of the exam. Is it before movement? During movement? Or only after resistance is given to the movement.

Each a bit of information helps the therapist identify where the problem is (Differential Diagnosis) and how to treat it. The S.T.T.T system is a logical way to assess large joints like the shoulder, hip, and knee. It can be used for other joints as well.


The Pediatric Assessment:

Due to some of pediatric cases got their clinical features, symptoms and signs that need to use different assessment form to measure their severity and record the progression. Cerebral Palsy usually use “Gross Motor Function Measure, GMFM” and follow “Gross Motor Function Classification System, GMFCS” to make their short-term and long-term goal. After that therapist can use “International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, ICF” to analysis the kid into few domains, like personal factor, environment factor and Participation which are quite important factors as well.

(International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, ICF)


Neuromuscular Activation Testing:

  • Neuromuscular activation is a term used by physical therapists working to strengthening the brain to muscle connection. The brain to muscle connection happens naturally within the neuromuscular system when the nervous system (Neural) and the muscular system are working together effectively.

Thru the Suspension Exercises Therapy (S.E.T) equipment, the Neuromuscular Activation testing aims to explore imbalance and dysfunctions (Weak Links) in the biomechanical chains. The test will separate in two parts:  Neurac Motor control tests (Localized isometric contraction within the neutral zone) and Neurac Myofascial Chain Tests ( Multisegmental Movement with underlying core control.


Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound Imaging

  • The MSK Ultrasound imaging uses sound wave to produce picture of muscles, tendon, ligaments, nerve and joints throughout the body. It is used to help diagnose sprains, strains, tears, trapped nerves, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.